ABSTRACT
Backlash is the play resulting from loose connections between gears or other mechanical elements. There are various ways to compensate for backlash. For instance the action of springs may be used to automatically compensate for backlash, or screws working together may be used to adjust the amount of permissible backlash. The anti-backlash in this screw mechanism is obtained using a sliding nut that is spring loaded by a compression spring. It is permitted to make only a sliding motion, being held in position by the two setscrews and being permitted to move in an axial direction by the slots. The nut is flanged on each end and has a square outer section between the flanges and slots cut in the tapered sections. Spring forces have components that push slotted sections radially inwards and take up backlash.
